by KYW's Lynne Adkins

Friday was graduation day for 250 students attending a two-week boot camp before the start of the Philadelphia School Districit's military academies.

"Sound off, one, two!"

The cadets marched around a football field in the blazing noonday sun at the Philadelphia Military Academy at Leeds in East Mount Airy, proud that they made it through boot camp learning how to march, say and reply to commands, dress, and obey authority.
 
Diana Kirkland couldn't be prouder of her son:

"Since he's been here, he's like a changed young man. He's more responsible. I don't have to holler at him as much (laughs)."

Desiree Kinebrew learned a lot:

"I learned all the commands and stuff, and discipline and stuff."

Whose idea was it for Miguel Mapp to attend?

"Mine -- and my dad's."

His friends were shocked at the choice:

"They thought I was crazy. They thought I was going straight to the military."

Instead, he'll go to a four-year military high school.